Rolling in the Deep

by NikkiKelly

NEWLY UPDATED! PLEASE REREAD CHAPTER 1! Sequel to Hurts Like Hell and A Brief Progesssion of Fate. Jaron sets off in search of Alyx while Sarah and Jareth attempt to find a way to cure the darkness festering inside the Goblin Prince. Little do they know that Mab has called upon the Swamp Hag, Zefiryn to extract her revenge.

3. Chapter 3: Color Me Once, Color Me Twice

Hurts Like Hell

By: Nikki Kelly

---

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth.

---

Chapter 3: Color Me Once, Color Me Twice

---

The morning sun was shining brightly as Jareth paced, angrily, in the study. Roland was slouched in a chair nearby, holding an icepack to his aching head. Annibal was lounged out on the nearest chaise, his face buried in the pillows and a pitiful moan escaping him every now and again. Jareth turned as if to address Roland and stopped himself. He then took a deep breath to gather his wits and he began to pace again. Roland watched, numbly, looking rather green around the gills after the previous night's celebrations. Finally, Jareth stopped his pacing and moved to stand right before his cousin.

Leaning down so their faces were a foot from one another Jareth asked, calmly. "Roland?"

"Aye?"

Jareth then erupted, beyond furious. "How, in the name of the Gods, could you just lose track of him?!"

Roland winced at each loud syllable. He rubbed his throbbing head and groaned. "Lower yer voice, mate! I've got me a ragin' bloody headache today. 'Sides, it's like I told ya. We were at the pub and he disappeared… I left 'im talkin' to Alyx an-"

"Alyx? You saw Alyx?" Jareth asked, his interest perked.

Roland's eyes narrowed at his mistake and he grew silent.

"Damn it, Roland. I know she's alive!"

Roland raised an eyebrow and rested the ice-pack back on his head. "Oh? Well, then why dinna ya just say so in the first place?"

"Everyone knows she's alive, you dim-witted troglodyte." Annibal groaned from the chaise. "There's no use in keeping secrets when you've got goblins and fairies about to ruin it."

"Well, they was gettin' along so we let them be." Roland shrugged.

"They?" Jareth asked.

"Her and Jaron."

"When?"

"Last night at the pub."

"They were talking in the pub?"

"Yeah."

Jareth pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Did they leave together, Roland?"

"See that's where it gets fuzzy, Jareth." Roland gave him a weak grin. "I was tryin' for this bonny elf and I'd been drinkin' so-"

"Call off the search party. I'm here and I'm alive." Jaron's voice sounded from where he leaned against the door frame to the balcony. There were gold feathers in his dark hair. He peeled off his gloves and wiggled his fingers with a smirk. "And with all ten fingers and toes as an added bonus."

"Where have you been?" Jareth asked with a sigh of relief. "We've been worried sick."

"Tying up a few loose ends before the New Year…" Jaron replied and gave Roland a friendly pat upon his head. "Feeling poor, cousin?"

"Annibal hates us… Again." Roland moaned as his head rang with pain. "We lost his clothes on the way home… Again."

Jaron laughed, heartily, and kicked back in the chair behind the desk, propping his feet upon said desk. Suddenly, Jareth's attention in his brother was peeked. There was a silver scar on Jaron's face that Jareth had not seen since Jaron's awakening after his rescue. Since then the lad had done his best to hide it, but now Jaron had cast away his glamour. He was no longer shrouding himself in it and instead he embraced his true self. His eyes were brighter and he seemed to be better than Jareth had seen him in a long time.

"What?" Jaron caught his brother's stare and quirked one eyebrow. "Are there still feathers in my hair?"

"Did you… Are you…" Jareth searched for the right words, vainly. "Oh, bloody hell… Did you spend last night with her?"

"Who?"

"Alyxandrea."

"Oh." Jaron threw him a blank look. "No?"

Jareth rolled his eyes. "The whole bloody Underground knows that she's alive and I know she's here in Honah Lee, so knock off the preposterous act."

"Well, if you know so much about your former ward then you must know that she is quite taken with her pirate captain. You needn't worry about me spending the night with her. She made it quite clear that what little time we spent together last night was all that we could ever have between us."

Roland snorted. "It donna help matter's that the lass thinks that yer the one gettin' married!"

Jaron cast Roland a foul look as the Goblin King stared at him, quizzically. "Married? Since when are you-" Jareth groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose again. "You lied to the girl?"

"I didn't lie… I just didn't correct her assumptions." Jaron replied.

It was Annibal's turn to snort into the pillow. "Of all the dunderheaded ideas…"

"Now, ya listen to me an' ya listen well, cousin! You let that lass outta yer life again an' it'll be the worst mistake ya ever made!" Roland responded, his temper riled.

"She doesn't want me! I'm not letting her out of my life!" Jaron said as he rose from him seat. "She is expelling me from hers!"

"Oh? An' where did ya go last night then? Did ya take the gal for a tousle in a hayloft like some common trollup?"

Jaron's eyes grew dark and he snarled. "She is not a trollup."

"Then why are ya treatin' her like one?" Roland hissed in return.

"She won't have me!"

Roland snorted. "She did last night!"

"Enough!" Jareth thundered, stepping in between the pair before they could come to blows. "What Jaron spent his time doing last night is not our concern. He is alive and well, so that is all that matters."

"No, what matters be that he's lettin' the best bloody thing that happened to him just walk away an' he's not doin' a bloody thing to stop her!" Roland replied, angry with his cousins.

"Let's get one bloody thing straight here, Roland." Jaron returned, rather coldly. "I tried my damndest, but she said no…"

With that, the Goblin Prince strode towards the same window he came from. He stopped and the room noticed the way his shoulders slumped, slightly.

"The girl will not have me. I see no sense in wasting time chasing after a woman who wants nothing to do with me." Jaron replied, keeping his back to the room. "Let her go. The girl has done quite enough for the Crown and deserves to be left alone. Call off the guards and spies and leave her in peace."

"Brother, all we wish is for the girl to be welcomed back into our family." Jareth countered.

"She has her own family now." With that, Jaron stepped out the window and was in flight.

Roland sighed and leaned against the desk, heavily. "At least he's got his glamour off…That's a good start."

"He's shaken off a bit more than that, cousin." Jareth gave Roland a pointed smile. "The Jaron we've grown accustomed to since his return would have let the taint of his geis enrage him and he would have struck you. I believe that whatever he did last night managed to erased the last stains that geis had left upon him."

"Then the lass loved 'im."

"Perhaps, but does she really love him, Roland? Truly?"

"Donna got a doubt in me head. Ask Annibal… He saw 'em together as well."

"Yes, she loves him very much." Annibal sat up gingerly on the chaise and added. "The girl is afraid. Of what, I've no clue, but she is afraid to love him."

"I believe I can shed a bit o' light there, Yer Grace." The trio was surprised to find Morven Squall at the doorway and smirking. "Ya see, I'm gettin' mighty sick o' seein' that lass so sad, so I says to meself, 'Self, you gotta step in an' make a few things right'. So, here I be… Savvy?"

---

Alyx sat at the window for hours after Jaron had left. The tears had come and gone, only to leave her numb and cold. Shivering, she rose to stroke the remaining coals of the small fire in her hearth. Her time with Jaron had been wonderful, but now she knew that she must pay for every borrowed minute with this new ache in her chest. A pair of knuckles rapped lightly against her door.

"Not now, Telyn. I'm sleeping." Alyx said, louder than necessary to try to scare off her ward. The door opened anyway and as Alyx turned to chastise, she gasped in surprise. It was not Telyn at the door, but Sarah instead.

Sarah stepped into the room and gave her old friend a warm smile. "Merry Christmas, Alyx. I've missed you."

Alyx cried out and leapt to her feet. If anything, Sarah always did have the best timing, because the younger girl needed nothing more than a friend at that very moment. Both girls hugged, happily, as Alyx brushed away the new tears forming in her eyes.

"How did you find me?" Alyx asked, leading her friend to the bed to sit.

"Well, believe it or not, Telyn Squall came pounding on my door this morning and rather early mind you… Apparently, she's worried about you. She said you need a friend…" Sarah gave her a good once over and frowned. "You look like hell, Alyx."

"Thanks." Alyx snorted and wiped at her wet cheeks with her sleeves. "I feel like hell."

"I wish I had known that it was you at Mab's… I was kinda mean and short-" Sarah began, but Alyx shook her head and stopped her.

"No worries. I was pretty mean too… I was just too afraid to tell anyone who I really was."

"I know that you probably don't want to come back to the Seelie Court, but… We all miss you, terribly. Please don't stay gone from us forever."

"I have too, Sarah. I'm sorry."

Sarah was quiet for a moment. "Jareth and I are going to get married… We really want you to be there."

"That's wonderful! I'm glad that he finally got the balls together to ask you." Alyx said and her face fell a little. "I would like to come, but it shall depend if I am at sea or not. I'll probably be sailing off sometime after the Yuletide."

"Please consider coming… The entire family would love to see you."

Alyx gave her a small smile. "It's a little weird to go from public enemy number one to the most popular girl in all the Underground. So are you nervous about being a queen?"

"A little, but I've had a good teacher… I think I can handle just about anything that comes my way." Sarah studied her sad friend. "So what's this about you and Jaron? Suddenly, you don't love him anymore?"

"I can't love him, Sarah. We're poisonous for each other."

Sarah mulled over that thought for a moment and then began. "You know, when I was studying to be Queen, Wyntr le Fey had me read about a breed of venomous dragons from the Wastes called Toxies. A single drop of their venom is enough to kill an elephant. They are the only dragon venomous enough to kill their own kind with a single bite."

Alyx frowned. "What do Toxies have to do-"

"Lemme finish… Toxies also mate for life, but being dragons, they tend to get a bit bitey when trying to reproduce. So the mating pairs become immune to one another's venom. Immunizing one another also makes their own venom more powerful and potent against their enemies… Do you get what I'm saying?"

"That Jaron and I should bite each other?" Alyx replied, dryly.

Sarah frowned. "Alyx…"

"Yeah, yeah, I get you, but I can't risk getting him killed again. At least this way I know he's alive."

"But this is slowly killing him, Alyx!" Sarah told her, frantically. "You should see him-"

"I have to go stay away from him. If he's out of sight then he's out of my mind. It's time for me to leave again."

"No! You can't just stay gone forever!" Sarah clasped her friend's hand tightly. "You have to promise to come back someday!"

"I've learned not to make promises I can't keep, Sarah. I'm sorry." Alyx took her hand away, gently.

"You don't have to do this." Sarah pleaded, hoping to sway her friend's mind. "Nothing bad will-"

"Everything bad could happen just like it did before. I'm sorry, Sarah. I've made up my mind." Alyx rose from the bed and slipped on her glass slippers. Sarah watched in amazement as the shoes cast her in a traveling outfit of a long coat and pants. Alyx crossed to the dresser and began to pack her few belongings. "I'm leaving Honah Lee tonight."

"Alyx, please… We don't want to lose you again."

"It's a small Underground, Sarah. We're bound to run into each other again." Alyx tossed her halfway loaded pack on the bed and gave her friend a small smile. "I'll try to find some way to make it to your wedding."

Sarah nodded, somberly. "I hope you do make it. Good luck out there, Alyx."

Alyx hugged her friend, tightly. "I'm so glad you found your happily ever after."

Sarah clung to the girl, tears coming to her emerald eyes. "I wish I could say something to make you come home."

"There's nothing left to say. I'm sorry, Sarah."

Sarah reluctantly released her friend, wiping at the tears in her eyes. "If you need anything and I mean anything, you know the words. Call for us, please."

"I know. I know the words." Alyx gave her friend a warm smile. "Goodbye Sarah."

"Goodbye, Alyx."

With that Sarah left Alyx alone and the girl continued to pack, tears staining her possessions as she worked.

---

Annibal, Roland, and Jareth had had quite a long palaver with Captain Squall about young Alyxandrea. While it seemed that the girl was more than capable of taking care of herself and was in safe enough hands under the Captain's care, but they worried about her actions to distance herself from the Goblin Prince. Jareth mused that perhaps when Jaron completed his geis and gave his will to the girl, it did not break the geis, but merely completed it. Perhaps his brother was compelled to be so drawn to the girl? Roland countered with the argument of True Love's Kiss. That was the best and proper way to break any curse and everyone knew that.

"We could sit 'ere and argue for a hundred years 'bout whether or not that pair is ass-over-tea-kettle for one another, but that'll get us nowheres." Morven interjected. "I canna make the lass do anythin' she don't feel keen on doin'."

"And trying to talk any sense into Jaron is like trying to talk to an imp completely smoked out on Fire Grass." Annibal added, dryly.

"So, we just sit here an' let the pair make one another an' the rest o' us miserable?" Morven frowned. "I donna think I can take another Yuletide like this one."

"I agree with the pirate." Roland piped up. "This holiday has been dreadful."

"I see no other option." Jareth shrugged. "We cannot make the girl love Jaron anymore than we can make Jaron stop loving her. There is no logic to such things. At least Jaron does not use his glamour to hide anymore. At least some good has come of this Yule."

"I could try takin' the lass back to the sea. Something about sailin' always made her smile." Morven offered. "Maybe sometime away will get that head o' hers workin' proper. What are ya gonna do with Jaron?"

"I could always take 'im back to Amarantha, or off to Goodfellow Glen." Roland shrugged. "Although I donna know if he'd 'ave any part of it."

"Perhaps it would be wiser if we didn't interfere, gentlemen." Annibal suggested, still a bit weary from the night before. "Shall we just let nature take its course?"

"If we did that, it'd take the pair of 'em decades to make amends!" Roland argued.

"Well, that is one thing we do have on our side. We have all the time in the world now that the girl is Fae." Jareth replied. "Such delicate matters must not be handled hastily. Trust my word on that. It has taken me years to earn my Sarah's trust."

"What we need is a plan an' timin'… The timin' will 'ave to be perfect…" Morven laced his fingers together and furrowed his brow in thought. "I wish Alyx was in on this… She was always the one with the good plans…"

"Then we shall all have to think upon this predicament, gentlemen." Jareth said. "I agree with Annibal. Let them do as they wish, but we shall keep a wary eye on the both of them… We shall reconvene at a later date. Agreed?"

"Aye, agreed. I'll watch over her with all I got an' more." Morven nodded and grinned. "Providin' o' course that you all watch over me ward, Telyn."

"What?" Jareth asked.

"Mina's friend?" Annibal looked confused. "But what-"

"She's already begged me to let her spend the rest o' her holidays with you lot. Seems she's taken quite a shine to ya, Banshee Prince." Morven threw Roland a wink and Roland gave him a lopsided grin. "Girl always did seem to 'ave an eye for trouble."

"It would be an honor, Captain Squall." Annibal replied. "I'll treat her as my own sister."

"Good. Now get yer thinkin' caps on lads. I'll not see Alyx cry for eternity."

---

The next few days and the Yule Ball proved uneventful for the Sindhe family. Jaron had attended the festivities alone and Oberon made no mention of the Barony in the highlands. The Goblin Prince was on model behavior for the entire evening, eliciting many comments from the other nobility. The day after the Sindhe family left their holiday in Honah Lee to return to the Goblin City for the New Year. They had been home for nearly a week when Jareth came across his younger brother in a back stairwell. The Prince was shaking a small black sphere in his hands and frowning in dismay at it.

The Goblin King cocked his head at Jaron and put his hands upon his hips. "What in Merlin's beard are you doing?"

Looking up from the Magic 8-Ball in his hands, Jaron replied, rather guiltily. "Nothing?"

"Where did you get that?" Jareth asked, recognizing Sarah's Aboveground toy.

"I nicked it from Sarah's room. She went buggering about in my room while I was gone, so I thought I'd return the favor." Jaron replied and gave the toy another series of violent shakes. "She ruined the surprise I had for her coronation. You know how hard it is to take care of a griffin egg?"

"Oh, don't tell me you had planned on giving her that winged rat!" Jareth groaned and snatched the toy away from his younger brother. "Stay out of her room. She will certainly beat you within an inch of your life if she catches you in there again."

Jaron gave a noncommittal grunt and crossed his arms over his chest to pout. "Whatever… The blasted thing wasn't worth its weight in Fire Grass anyway. I think it's broken."

"It is to my understanding that this 'Magic 8-Ball' is not really a type of scrying mirror or crystal ball… It is more of a toy for adolescent mortals to ask inane questions to and giggle about the even more inane answers at their 'slumbering parties' and 'over-sleeps'."

Jaron frowned, feeling even more confused. "What's a 'slumbering party'?"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jareth groaned. "Jaron, I have had very long day and I really do not have the energy to educate you on the common activities of the average mortal teenager-"

"But-"

"… so I suggest that you return this… bauble to Sarah and after offering her a heartfelt apology for nicking it from her room, perhaps you can persuade her to explain such activities to you." Jareth returned the 8-Ball to Jaron and turned to walk away. As he left, he tossed one final point over his shoulder. "If you are lucky, she may even fill you in on how to use the absurd thing."

"Fine… SARAH!" Jaron yelled, his voice echoing up the staircase. Within a moment, her angry face was peeking over the railing down at him.

"Why are you yellin-" She then noticed the toy in his hands. "Is that my 8-Ball? Were you in my room?"

"Uh, no?"

"Jaron!"

"Hey, you went into mine first!" He argued. "Besides, this lousy thing is broken!"

Sarah sighed, heavily and descended the stairs towards him. "It is not."

"I've shaken the bloody thing for the last hour and it has not once told me my fortune."

"Oh, for the love of-" She rolled her eyes. "You have to ask it a question, Jaron. Then you turn it over and read the message in the bottom."

"Oh?" He cocked one eyebrow at her. "You don't say?"

Returning his attention to the toy in his palms, he gave it a few violent shakes and then turned it over. A wide smile crossed his face and he looked back to Sarah, happily.

"It says, 'Outlook good'. I'm gonna do it." With that, he disappeared, causing the 8-Ball to clatter to the marble floor.

And with that, Jaron Armande Sindhe made his explosion back into the Seelie Court. He no longer hid his scars, he spoke openly of his banishment, and was suddenly the same old Jaron that everyone remembered. He was no longer dark and grim. Light had somehow found its way back to the Goblin Prince. He attended a few of the society parties about Honah Lee, but mainly he joined the fairy circles celebrating the holidays. He smiled and he laughed and his pranks became that of legend once more. After he mended bridges with the fairy, even Trog began to come about again.

Yet, as happy as he seemed, only those closest to the Goblin Prince noticed the odd way that he would stare in nothingness as if he was lost. Only they saw the sad look that resided on his face at such times. They noticed the hole that his loss of Alyx had made in his life. He again faked a mild interest in governing a Barony in the Highlands and he only flirted with the ladies because it was expected of him. He had no real desire to make his rounds through the courts, but rather he did what he was told to do. It was very unlike their beloved Goblin Prince.

Mina and Telyn had become semi-permanent residents of the castle after Jareth dedicated an entire wing of his castle for the girls and their entourage. Seeing as how Roland had taken a fancy to the young Miss Squall, Jaron saw the girls quite often around the Castle Beyond the Goblin City. Young Mina had grown up with Jaron as virtually an older brother, but Telyn herself had spent little time around him until recently. She was quite surprised the day that he decided to trade stories with her about Alyx. Somehow, they had managed to end up the only two left in the gardens after breakfast and she had broached the subject.

"Tell me how you and Alyx met." Telyn blurted out and blushed. "I'm sorry. I don't want to be rude or make you talk about something you don't want to, but I've always wondered. She never really talked about you much."

"I wouldn't imagine she would speak of me at all before my rescue, as fearful as she was for my safety and her own. She was a fugitive you know." A small smile came across Jaron's face, stretching the silver scar at his lip. "I would like to believe that we were very much in love back then. She wished herself away to Jareth, you know…"

Over the course of that morning, she learned Alyx's tale from Jaron's own lips. She learned of Alyx's many adventures with him before his banishment and she traded the ones she knew from Morven and the others as well as her own 'kidnapping'.

"Does it hurt you to talk like this about her?" Telyn asked, honestly.

Jaron shrugged. "Not a day goes by that she does not cross my mind, but even those thoughts do not sting like they once did. It does not hurt me to talk about her most days. Most days, I am well enough to do that at least. I miss her, but I can not make this choice for her, Telyn." He grew silent for a moment and then peered up at the sun. "It's nearly midday. Best you run along and find Mina, eh?"

She nodded, realizing their conversation had come to an end. She rose to leave and after a moment's hesitation, hugged him tightly. He seemed slightly shocked at her reaction, but chuckled and returned her hug heartily.

"Go on and don't worry for me." He urged her on with a slight smile as she headed for the castle. At the door, she turned back to look at him, but he was already lost in thought, staring out into the gardens. She watched him for a moment and then left the Prince to his own devices.

That was the last anyone saw of him for at least a week. Then there was a whisper that he had been seen in Tir Asleen, visiting his childhood friend, the Empress Elora Danen. Even then, Elora reported that he was quiet and moved through her city like a ghost. He did not speak, hardly ate, and seemed unfocused on the world around him.

Then he was gone.

Elora believed that he had went Aboveground again, as he often did when he was sad. Since Jaron had discovered his knack for crossing the worlds, there had always been something about the Above that seemed to cheer him up when he was blue. Give him a few days there and he would be right as rain, Elora told Jareth and the rest of the worried family. Don't forget how time moved differently here. A few days could be years for Jaron to sort out his emotions in the Above.

Jaron was missing for weeks.

---

Vesper rode hard through Darkwood Copse, her dark cloak whipping out behind her. Digging her heels into the sides of her mount, she urged the already sweating beast faster. After hearing of the awful plans that Mab and Zefiryn had planned for her daughter, Vesper made her decision to leave the Unseelie Court and seek asylum with in the halls of the Goblin Court. It had taken her a few weeks to procure the things she would need for her voyage and for her to find a moment to flee. Upon being given the task to locate the girl and Jaron, Vesper made as if she was merely preparing to travel to Gair for a possible lead. Upon the first opportunity in the dead of the night, she led her horse from the castle and slipped through the darkened streets of Magesblood. Upon reaching the gates, she mounted her horse and she tore out of the Dark City like a mad woman. Headed south towards Jareth's Labyrinth, Vesper cursed under her breath slapped the reigns, urging the horse to ride faster.

"Fly, my pet… I must reach the Labyrinth. Fly!" Vesper pleaded.

She knew it was only a matter of time before she was noticed missing and then unaccounted for. Then Mab would send the Sluagh. No matter how long it would take, she must reach the Labyrinth. She had ridden for nearly a week when the Labyrinth walls were in sight in the distance. Just as her heart beat for joy, it stopped dead at the sounds of a thousand terrible evils erupting behind her. They had found her. The Sluagh was coming for her. Crying out, she spurred the tired horse onward. It raced onwards in sheer terror before the poor beast's heart gave out. As they tumbled to the ground, Vesper cried out in pain as her arm caught her landing and snapped. Staggering to her feet, she raced towards the Labyrinth's wall and threw herself against it, pounding her good fist upon the stone.

"Sanctuary! I beg for sanctuary, Goblin King!" Vesper cried out, ignoring the blood upon her fist. She could hear and feel the Sluagh closing in on her. It was the sound of a thousand evils. It was an aural horror of claws clashing, sharp teeth gnashing, and metal grinding and it was more than enough to drive even the steeliest of the Fae to madness. She raced along the length of the wall, hoping to find one of the Labyrinth's many entrances. Nearly tripping over her dress in her haste, she fell against the wall and her broken arm. Vesper groaned in pain and felt woozy. Sharp and spindly fingers caressed her long hair and she shuddered at Baohban Sith's touch.

"I wish for sanctuary, Goblin King… Please…" She whispered and clenched her eyes shut.

The scent of warm spice and fire filled her senses and she could hear the screams of pain coming from the Sluagh as it abandoned its chase in the glare of the Goblin King's magic.

"Bunch of chickens…" An upbeat female voice sounded.

"She got blood on my Labyrinth." A droll male voice responded.

Slowly, Vesper opened her eyes and looked up to find Jareth and Sarah standing before her. The reigning monarchs of the Goblin Kingdom were dressed in their dark Goblin armor. Jareth's cape flapped in the winds, but Sarah's skintight leather dress clung to her like a second skin. She knelt down to Vesper, her face soft.

"Are you okay, Lady Moraine?"

Vesper nodded, a bit shakily. "I could feel Baohban Sith's fingers... Thank you, Your Grace…"

"Oh, call me Sarah will you already?" Sarah smiled, warmly, as Jareth groaned.

"A little decorum, Sarah love?" Jareth eyed Vesper, who held her broken arm cradled against her stomach. "Perhaps inside, where we can summon a healer for Lady Moraine?"

Within moments, they were back at the castle and the healer was tending to her arm and the many cuts from her fall.

"Why do you seek sanctuary in my realm, Lady Moraine?" Jareth asked the weary woman.

"Mab, she means to kill her. She means to kill her!" Vesper burst into tears.

"Kill who?"

"My daughter!"
Sarah and Jareth shared confused looks.

"I was unaware, Lady, that you had borne any children." Jareth spoke first, more than curious about such new developments.

With trembling hands, Vesper produced the locket at her neck with the shock of ebony hair. "I named her Alyxandrea because I thought it sounded heroic. If I had only known, huh?"

"Alyx is your daughter!" Sarah's eyes widened. "You're Allie Gideon! I can't believe I didn't see it before. Does Alyx-"

"Like your Goblin Prince, my daughter wants nothing to do with me." Vesper responded, bitterly, and her face fell. "But I cannot see her die. Mab has dark plans for her!"

Jareth sat down next to her, his eyes dark. "Tell me everything."

---

Alyx didn't seem that surprised when Morven had told her that Telyn had decided to continue her holiday with Mina, but Morven on the other hand was quite surprised when he found her ready to leave upon his return. When he showed signs of trying to talk her into staying, she left on her own, heading home for the keep. She kept to herself through the next few weeks, only leaving to enjoy the New Year's aboard the Merrow Wind, while they had docked in Firth for the holiday. Alyx had used her Aneurin guise for the trip and had seemed to enjoy herself thoroughly with her shipmates. Morven was surprised when she did not want to leave with the ship and instead opted to return to the solitude of the Keep. Though he tried to convince her to take some time out to go to the sea, she declined and returned to her keep.

While Morven was coming and going with business, Alyx found ways to keep her self occupied. Upon his return, the Captain often found her reading everything and anything she could get her hands on. Whether it an ancient scroll that described rituals of the arcane or a simple hamlet newsletter announcing local births, she read it all. Books lined the walls and staircases and Morven was constantly tripping over piles of them when he visited. Of course there was one letter that arrived shortly after her return that she read every day.

Alyx didn't know how the Goblin King had managed to find her, but one morning there was a gilded envelope propped up on her kitchen table. Her name was etched across the front in a penmanship she recognized as the Goblin King's very own. Inside was a beautiful invitation for the wedding of one, His Royal Majesty, The Goblin King Jareth to the Champion of the Labyrinth, the Lady Sarah Lenora Williams. The date was mid February, on Valentine's Day and the event was to be held in hedge maze in the Labyrinth. For the first hour after she had found it, the girl had stared at the invitation in bewilderment. There had to be a way to attend without drawing notice to herself. Her eyes strayed often to her glass slippers, but the royal family knew of her tricks. They would surely be on the lookout for strangers floating about. Oddly enough, it was Morven who offered up the brightest idea.

"We'll get ya a new identity. I gots me a mate from Ha-Neul an' he's 'bout as bountiful in kids as the Old Lady Who Lived in the Shoe an' he owes me a favor or two. He'll pass ya off as one o' his an' no one'll be the wiser." Morven said with a bright grin when she told him she wanted to go to the wedding. "You'll be as safe as me best bottle o' grog!"

---

Zefiryn frowned as she watched the younger Queen of Air and Darkness throw another one of her infamous temper tantrums. Apparently, one of her Ladies had defected and before she could be captured by the Sluagh, the little witch had been granted sanctuary within the Goblin Court. This had enraged Mab and at the present, she was screaming and tearing apart every bit of her lavish chambers. Zefiryn's eyes drifted over the debris littering the floor. Broken perfume bottles wafted their pungent mixed scents and clothes were strewn everywhere, some ripped and others burned.

A screeching Mab turned her attention to her already cleared vanity and howling in her rage, she toppled it, shattering the large mirror against the floor. Zefiryn's beautiful reflection smiled back up at herself. Crossing to the enraged Queen, broken glass crunching under her feet, she grabbed Mab by the upper arms, forcing the mad Queen to look at her.

Then Zefiryn slapped her. Hard.

Mab blinked at the Swamp Hag, unbelieving that the witch would dare such a move.

"Now, if you are you quite finished, we have business to attend to." Zefiryn's red lips pressed together in a hard line.

Mab held one manicured hand to her red cheek. "How dare you strike me!"

"If you insist on acting like an overgrown child, then I shall treat you as such. It seems quite silly to me to be throwing such a tantrum over such a useless servant's defection."

"She left me to go to them! I! The one who gave her everything when she had nothing!" Mab hissed. "When I found Vesper Moraine, she was nothing but a lost mortal, bumbling about in my swamp. I took her in and provided her with the means to serve me…"

"Yes, I'm sure the little tart was thrilled to be your indentured servant for all of eternity. Forget her. She means nothing to our plans."

"She knows! She has went to the Goblin King and she will tell him everything! Then-"

Zefiryn held out one hand to stop Mab's tirade. "Vesper means nothing to our grander plans… Come, it has come high time that we consult your oracle."

The Queen of Air and Darkness wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Must we? She is disgusting."

"Yes, but she is the wisest oracle our court has known for nearly seven hundred years."

Unwillingly, Mab followed Zefiryn down to the bowels of the castle. Far below the dark dungeons, there was a great stone door, carved with ghastly drawings of dismembered animals and fairy folk. When Zefiryn opened the door, Mab pinched her nose in disgust as the stench of rotting flesh wafted over them. Animals began to bay from the cages and cells that crowded the death room. Movement came from the table near the center of the room and a thin, rag-covered creature peered at them over the bloody mess.

"What do you want?" It hissed and clutched at the mess upon the table.

Rage swept over Mab. "You insolent little-"

"Please… Let me speak with your haruspex. We were once old friends, her and I…" Zefiryn stepped forward and summoned a pale light to illuminate the room. The creature at the table hissed at the light and Mab nearly blanched at the sight of the wretched thing.

Lil-Liche had once been somewhat beautiful, so many years ago, when she had roamed the ancient lands of the Above. Merely a wandering dark elf, she had been considered a goddess to the mortals. A goddess of death and dismemberment. Men captured, killed, and died for her sheer amusement. In all those bloody years, she learned that she was quite skilled at extispicy, or the art of divining the future by studying anomalies in animal entrails. When she returned to the Underground and the Unseelie Court, Zefiryn put the dark elf to good use and gave her the very chambers they stood in. The evil former queen had sent many creatures and fairy folk to their death in Lil-Liche's hands. Then had come Carsys and Mab, and both found themselves repulsed by the hag, refusing to use her for counsel. A pity, Zefiryn had thought at the time, Carsys could have predicted his own death had been a bit smarter.

So, after Zefiryn was banished to the Swamps, Lil-Liche was left to rot in her mangy quarters. Of course, she had found means for her divinations over the years, but nothing like in her glory days. Pickings were sometimes slim. The dark elf had to resort to leaving her quarters some weeks, just to procure enough animals to bring about her next divination. Not as many as half of her cages boasted living beasts.

As for the hag herself, she was emaciated looking, and wore a ragged robe covered in dark bloodstains and fresh flesh. Her dark skin was graying and looked nearly mummified. Patches of thin and white hair dotted her dry scalp and her eyes were dark and unreflective to the lights. For the ease of her divinations, the witch had replaced each of her finger nails with metal talons, perfect for opening the flesh and removing the choice entrails. Her small and pointed tongue darted over her dry lips and she smiled when she saw Zefiryn, a horror to behold.

"Lady Zefiryn, long it has been since you graced my table." Lil-Liche bowed her head, respectfully, and clicked her metal nails together. "You bring me Our Queen of Air and Darkness as well… Times must be troubling if she seeks divination at my table." The dark elf cackled once and gestured for them to come closer. "Come forth and ask your questions."

The women stepped forward to the table as Lil-Liche swept the table clear of whatever her last project had once been. She then busied herself with the row of cages behind her.

"Lil-Liche, I have come in need of your great divinations once more. There is a girl-"

Lil-Liche turned to throw a writhing lizard upon the table. Pinning its hissing head down with one clawed hand, she made a quick cut across its stomach, exposing all the entrails. Her knowing fingers found the liver and she held it up to peer at it with her dark eyes.

"She's the one causing all the trouble isn't she? Being a pest is she? A bee in the bonnet of Queen Mab, yes… She has the power to defeat you both, you know." The dark elf plunged her hand inside the lizard again and then studied the next organ with both hands. "She's important… This one. If she lives it means great changes to the Underground. Great changes… A kingdom could be founded on her. A kingdom could fall to her. She will be your undoing, Zefiryn. The girl will be the death of you."

"And if she dies?" Zefiryn asked, her throat tight.

"Your greatest wish shall come to pass, my Lady." Lil-Liche squinted at the new handful of entrails she procured, blood dripping down her hands. "Your youth shall be restored with the blood of the girl… Your darkest magics returned if you drink of her tears… You shall be the most powerful in all the lands if you eat her heart."

An evil smile swept across Zefiryn's face. "That is exactly what I wanted to hear."

Mab rushed closer to the table, glaring madly at the dead creature on the table. "And Jaron? What of that pest? What have I to gain of this girl's death?"

"The Goblin Prince? The Halfling?" Lil-Liche focused her dark eyes on Mab and lit a pile of incense on the table. A deep smoke began to fill the room as she moved to another cage, this time producing a weasel. Another quick slice, poured the creatures entrails on the table, but she ignored these. Cracking open the rib cage, the dark elf took the creatures heart and held it out with two fingers to the Queen. "With the girl gone, he will have no will left to give. It will die with her. He will live, but it will be an empty life, like that of a wraith. Darkness would fill him once again and he would rule at your side as your Lich King."

"Oh, that's delicious!" Mab cackled and clapped her hands in glee. "Jaron Sindhe as my Lich King! There hasn't been a Lich King in centuries! It shall be delightful to see Jaron fall so far…"

Lil-Liche sneered and crushed the heart. "If the girl lives, Mab… He will be your undoing."

"Then we find the girl and kill her." Mab sneered back and turned to Zefiryn. "I'll send out the Sluagh at once."

"It's not as simple as all that, my dear. You yourself have told me that the girl is quite proficient at hiding. We must draw her out."

"The wedding!" Mab said with delight. "Jareth is to be wed to that wretched mortal! They were friends. The Girl will not be able to resist seeing her friend wed. She will go there."

"Summon your Knight of Death. He will be able to flush out the girl and find out what Vesper has told them of us."

---

Sarah had never realized how stressful planning a wedding could be, let alone a royal wedding. In the weeks creeping up to their wedding, there had been many times that Sarah had felt like banging her head off of the wall.

"Ugh… Remind me to find something other than pyrotechnics for the goblins next time, okay Ashe?" Sarah eyed the singed portion of the hedge maze before her. "Maybe Jareth won't notice it."

Hoggle grunted as he surveyed the damage. "Oh, he'll notice alright. An' it'll be a swift Boggin' for us all!"

Sarah rolled her eyes. "He won't Bog me, Hoggle. Not if he knows what's good for him. Maybe we can cover this part with a banner or something."

"Perhaps a splendid rendition of His Majesty's own Coat-Of-Arms, my lady?" Didymus offered, helpfully. "I know of a dwarf in Wesh whose skills with a loom are unmatched and-"

"Say, that's not a bad idea, Didymus." Sarah held out her fingers in a box shape and studied the damage before her. "Think she could get it here before the wedding?"

"Verily, my lady!"

About that time, Vesper Morain wandered into the hedge maze. Since her defection, she had become a member of the Goblin Court, but some still kept their distance from the former Unseelie noble. Sarah brightened when she saw her and waved.

"Vesper! I need your opinion!"

"Yes, Sarah-" Vesper's eyes widened when she saw the damage to the maze. "Good Gods… Was there a fire?"

Sarah frowned. "Well, the goblins got a little carried away with the fireworks test and-" She waved her hand at the damage. "And there was a small fire."

Vesper laughed. "Oh, my… I do wonder how your King will take you burning his hedge maze twice."

Sarah grinned. "Eh, he's really a big softy. If it comes down to it, I've got my feminine wiles to rely on."

The pair laughed and Vesper moved forward to place one hand on the singed wall. Slowly, new growth grew from under her hand until the singed place was like new.

"That was amazing!"

"Plants do well for me. I was blessed with a very earthy magic when I came here."

"If I remember right, you had a green thumb before you got here. I seem to remember your roses being the envy of the neighborhood back in the Aboveground."

"Yes, until Carl would mow them over either out of absolute drunkenness or sheer spite." Vesper responded, bitterly. "I'm sorry, but I prefer to retain as little as I can from my former life."

"And Alyx?" Sarah asked, carefully.

Vesper's hand flew to the locket at her neck and her lips trembled. "My daughter made that decision for me. She will not speak to me… She… She hates me."

"You are her mother. She can't really hate you." Sarah replied putting one arm around the saddened woman. "Besides, we all 'hate' our moms at some point or another, but we get over it. She'll come around one of these days."

"The girl is rather stubborn." Jareth's voice rang out as he approached them. "The girl remains the only person that I have ever encountered to wish themselves away rather than someone else…"

Sarah gave him a frown. "I thought you were holding court with the goblins today?"

"I placed Clud and Slud in an Oubliette two days ago so grievances are in short supply today, my dear. Of course, once we were finalizing the short session, one of the goblins informed me that my hedge maze was on fire. Knowing that you were skulking about here, I decided it was in the kingdom's best interest if I came directly down… Please tell me that he's merely inhaled too much Bog gas and drank too much of the rancid cleaner that they dare to call ale?

"False alarm!" Sarah responded, cheerfully, and held out her arms. "Safe and sound."

"As I see… Just as well, for I had other matters to attend. I was in search of you, Lady Moraine. I have an old… errand that needs settling and I am in need of your valuable assistance."

The women both looked at one another quizzically. Sarah gave her a slight shrug. "Go for it. Jareth is pretty much harmless."

Jareth frowned at that remark. "You, woman, are ruining my reputation as king."

Sarah snorted. "What reputation?"

Vesper interjected. "What kind of errand might this be, Your Grace?"

Jareth gave her a pointed smile. "It concerns a rather personal vendetta for the both of us and the vanquishing of a monster from your past…" Jareth held out one hand to her. "Interested?"

Vesper studied him, intently. "What plans do you have, Goblin King?"

"Oh, I shall break him for the wrongs that he has done to you and your blood." Jareth smirked. "I've actually been rather looking forward to this day. So, do you care to assist me, Lady Moraine?"
A small smile grew across Vesper's lips. "If it means retribution for my daughter and I, then I would cross that world, this world, and the next to ensure that he pays for every welt he left upon Alyx and myself."

"Soundly said." Jareth turned to Sarah. "Love, we will-"

"… be back soon? It's okay." Sarah pecked him on one cheek. "Go be the big bad Goblin King. Try not to have too much fun."

---

Carl Gideon was drunk. Drunk and pissed. The bartender had already kicked him out into the snow and the damned band hadn't even started yet! It seemed like people had really started treating him like trash when Alyx ran off. Probably hadn't helped, saying anything about that damned hallucination of a kidnapper in black armor. He grumbled to himself as he stumbled towards his battered pick-up truck and fished around in the bed for the pint of vodka he had bought that morning. Taking a healthy swig, he sighed, happily as false warmth spread through his body. Screw that place, he thought. Drinks were cheaper out here anyways. He brought the pint to his lips again.

Slowly, all around him, the parking lot lights began to dim down, slowly. The wind whistled, softly, as snow began to fall a little heavier. Shadows danced amidst the snow drifts and few cars parked nearby. Almost inaudible giggles and cackles danced along the air as one lone light was left, illuminating the truck and its owner. The night grew still and quiet, as if time had almost stopped.

"Hello Carl." The smooth feminine voice came from in front of his truck where a beautiful woman stood, drenched in white furs. The long coat brushed along the snowy ground, but neither grew dirty or wet as she stepped. She had brought the hood up to cover her dark hair, but her bright red lips stood out on her pale face as she smiled. Her eyes glittered, unnaturally, as she tucked the hooded coat closer around her lithe body. It was Vesper Morain. "Long time, no see."

"What the-" He squinted and then stared gape-jawed at her. "Allie? Is that you?"

Her stumbled around to get a closer look at her and then broke out into a wide grin. "It is you! I always knew you'd come back to take care of me an-"

"Take care of you?" She barked out a laugh. "I think not. I come because of unfinished business."

"What unfinished business?" Carl asked, growing a little concerned. Shadows began to move around them again and low cackles filled the air. He looked her up and down, quizzically. "You find yourself some rich sugar daddy that wants to marry you? Well, I ain't signing for no divorce!"

She laughed again. "You are almost a waste of time, Carl. That is, until I remember what you did to Alyx."

"Alyx? That little brat ran off an-" Carl jumped as he felt something brush against his leg. Looking down he saw a shadow squirm away into the night. "What the hell was that?"

When he looked back up, Vesper had moved so that she was right in front of him. He back up in surprise. He hadn't even heard her move. She reached out for him and he took a few steps back. "What the hell is goin' on here, Allie?"

Her face grew cold as the snow began to whip around them. "If there was any gods in this world or any other you will burn in seven layers of hell for what you put Alyx and I through. I'd kill you, but I'd not waste time for such a taint on my soul. Rest assured, you will be punished for your wrongs in this lifetime!"

"You're crazy, Allie! Crazy!" Carl backed against his truck and nearly shrieked as another shadowy thing touched him. He moved to bat it away and cried out when the creature giggle at him. Lunging for the door handle of his truck, he struggled to get inside. Slowly more and more of the shadowy creatures began to surround him, some even atop his truck cab. All were cackling and giggling, hissing his name against the wind. Screaming, Carl jerked his door open, reaching for the pistol he kept in the seat. He spun around and there was nothing there.

Waving the gun about, shakily, he looked for Vesper and the shadow things, but found nothing. The snow had stopped again and everything was calm. No longer was his name being whispered and even the wind had stopped blowing. He took a deep breath and lowered the pistol. He dug for his abandoned pint, needing the alcohol to settle his nerves after such an encounter. As he raised the bottle to his lips a gloved hand reached out to snatch it away.

"Remember me, Carl?" Jareth was at his side, smiling wickedly. "I told you I'd be back."

The shadow creatures returned, and pounced on their victim before he could even scream. In half a heartbeat, time started again. It found Carl Gideon, screaming in madness, under his pickup truck, and the bartenders calling the police to removing him from the premise.

---

Exactly three days before the wedding, Jaron returned. Late that night, Telyn had wandered to the kitchen for a drink when she discovered Jaron there, well into what looked like his fourth piece of chocolate cake. She froze at the door and took him in. She almost didn't recognize him.

His hair had grown quite long and was braided down his back and he hosted a full dark beard. From head to toe, he was covered in thick wool garments and even hosted fingerless gloves. His snow covered boots had left puddle across the marble floor and he even still had snowflakes in his hair. When she entered the room, he swallowed his mouthful of milk and wiped one sleeve across his mouth.

"'Ello, Telyn."

"Jaron?" Telyn blinked and her eyes widened. "Where have you been?"

He shrugged and returned his attention to the cake before him. "Above."

"What did you do there?" Telyn sat down at the table across from him and watched him wolf down the cake.

Jaron shrugged again. "Stuff."

Telyn slid the piece of cake away from him. "What kind of stuff, Jaron? Everyone's been worried sick."

Jaron frowned at her interference with his eating and sighed. "Manly stuff… Now, gimme my cake. I'm hungry. It takes a lot of energy to cross the worlds."

She slid the cake back to him and he resumed attacking the confection with gusto. Lacing her fingers under her chin, she studied him, intently. When he neared finishing his slice, she wordlessly cut him another, and continued to watch him.

"Your brother's wedding is in three days."

Jaron paused and collected his thoughts. "How long was I gone?"

"At least three weeks… Maybe more, but no one was really sure when you left." Telyn poured herself a glass of milk and refilled Jaron's. "How long were you Above?"

He shrugged. "Long enough to sort myself out I suppose."

She nodded and pointed at his face. "You have chocolate in your beard, Jaron."

He wiped at his beard, absently, and resumed eating. "Roland got into your garters yet?"

She blushed. "Jaron!"

"He's only snogged you then." Jaron laughed and winked at her. "He's losing his touch. If it were me, I'd already taken you for a tumble in the stables."

"You are a toad." Telyn stuck her tongue out at him and laughed.

He chuckled and stretched in his chair. "Three days, huh? Boy do I have good timing or what?"

"Or what? Everyone is in a tizzy over you! You'll be lucky if your grandmother doesn't slap you in irons." Telyn giggled. "She's mad, but Sarah is furious! You are supposed to present her as the Bride Queen at the ceremony."

Jaron scratched under his chin thoughtfully. "Oh, yeah… I did say I would do that didn't I? I suppose I could make an appearance then."

Telyn gave him a sour look and laughed again. "Roland promised me that you were a lot of fun."

"I can be… Sometimes." Jaron rose and stretched his lithe form. "Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"

Telyn shrugged. "Not really. Although, sparks flew out of your tower window last Tuesday. Jareth checked it out and said that you had some spell cooking up there."

"Sparks?" Jaron frowned. "It's not supposed to do that."

"That's what Jareth said. What are you brewing?"

"Booze, mostly."

"Seriously."

He shrugged. "Nothing important."

"Liar."

"Pest. Go back to bed. I've got to get some rest before Trog comes barreling in here tomorrow." Jaron left the girl and transported himself to his quarters.

Everything was as he left it. Clothing scattered, cauldron bubbling under Fiametta's care, and fairies playing in his bed. A weak smile came to his lips as he crossed to his private bath. When he emerged he was clean. He collapsed face first into bed and was asleep within seconds. Slowly, fairies began to dance over his scarred skin and untangle his long hair.

---

Alyx was not surprised when all the roads leading to the Labyrinth were full of guests for the Goblin King's Wedding. Their caravan of camels and Arabian horses from the desert was not nearly the oddest sight traveling for the King's wedding. Twice they met with travelers that hosted wagons that were crystal pools for the selkies and mer-people, traveling inland for the nuptials. Morven's friend turned out to be the Grand Vizier to the Pharaoh of Ha-Neul, Tehuti Heket. The pirate captain had not been kidding about how many children the man had either. Alyx counted at least twenty of his offspring in their entourage and was assured that many more awaited them back in Ha-Neul. Tehuti had pronounced her his most welcome guest and she rode to the wedding upon her own dancing Arabian mare. Her shoes had changed her appearance to that of a willowy and dusky skinned maiden. Her garb was that of Egyptian fashion with darkly kohled eyes and a straight white dress, trimmed in gold. She appeared barefoot and bracelets dangled from her ankles.

As they rode through the gates to the Castle Beyond the Goblin City, Alyx reveled in seeing her old home again. The castle gleamed with the lights of a million fairies, all there to enjoy the festivities. The streets were awash with celebrating goblins and many of the little maniacs had already passed out from drinking too much. Fairies danced in Alyx's short straight hair as they were led to the hedge maze, where the wedding was to be held. Jareth's family was there already, greeting guests with happy smiles. Alyx made sure to avoid these greeting lines and quickly found herself a place to watch the ceremony unnoticed.

---

Sarah peered out from her tent over the growing crowd, becoming more and more nervous as the minutes to her wedding counted down. Jora patted her shoulder, comfortingly.

"Nervous yet?" Jora wrinkled her nose in amusement.

"Like you wouldn't believe. I'm afraid I'll trip over my dress or something horrid like that." Sarah chuckled and dropped the flap to the tent. "I was also wondering if Alyx came. Jareth had an invitation sent to her."

"Even if she does show up, there's no telling what she'd look like." Jora replied.

"True. She has gotten mighty crafty these days." Sarah sunk down into a pillowed chair and scratched under Ashe's feathery chin. "You know I still find it hard to believe this is really happening sometimes? I mean who would have ever thought that I would have ended up marrying the King of the Goblins?"

"Yes, we were all quite concerned at once ourselves." Jora laughed. "At one time we were convinced the two of you would never mend your relationship."

"Oh, I'm sure it won't be the last time I set fire to something of his."

Both girls burst into laughter as the many garden fairies voices rose in a crescendo.

"Oh, dear, come now Lady Sarah!" Abby burst through into the tent. "It's nearly time an' you haven't even got your crown on yet!"

---

The rise in the voice of the fairies peaked Alyx's interest and she tore her gaze from the diverse crowd and toward the raise dais where a cleric waited. Alyx was surprised to see that the cleric was King Theoden with a beaming smile. Jareth took his place before the crowd next to Theoden, his smile nearly as broad as the other king's own. Even Alyx had to admit how dapper Jareth looked in his suit of silver. The top was tightfitting long tunic that was clasped across his lithe chest with silver clasps designed with his royal emblem. The top one was attached to a v shaped chain mail sash that draped over both shoulders. Underneath that he wore his typical dark breeches and matching calf boots. His royal medallion was at his forehead in a thick silver crown that was partially hidden in his wild silver and blonde hair. He seemed his confident self, but little did Alyx know that the Goblin King was the most nervous he had been since he was a mere lad amongst the marble halls in Merial.

Though, as King, Jareth was used to presiding over larger crowds than even this, he felt their stares stifling as a million impossible scenarios rifled through his paranoid brain. What if Sarah were to reject him again? What if she had already fled? Did she truly wish to marry him and be his queen? What if she were to change her mind? He had not angered her lately, had he? What if he had and she already set the hedges ablaze? He discretely scanned his eyes over the restored hedge mazes, looking for the briefest wisp of smoke.

"Don't forget to breathe, son." Theoden spoke lowly, only for Jareth's benefeit. "Don't be nervous."

Jareth gave the older king a scoff. "I am not at the least."

"Liar. You look like the white stag caught in lantern light."

Jareth was not able to retort because at that moment, two tittering dryads pulled open the flaps of the tent and Jaron led Sarah out into the sunshine towards her soon-to-be husband. His breath caught in his throat. By the Gods, she was radiant.

Sarah was fairly glowing in a lacy and layered empire gown that shimmered like the moon with each step she took. The skirt was full and moved about her body like clouds. She wore the catskin of Queen Allerleirauh over her pale shoulders and her sleeves nearly scraped the ground. Her informal crown glinted in the fading sunlight, but her bright eyes remained on her groom ahead. She gave Jareth a warm and loving smile as they approached the dias. With less theatrics than Jareth had expected, his brother relinquished the Queen Consort Jaron merely pressed one chaste kiss upon her cheek and gave the future Goblin Queen a reassuring smile. With that, the Goblin Prince melted back within the other nobles. It was obvious that he did not desired any added attention to himself on this day.

"You are extraordinary, my love." Jareth whispered to Sarah and was delighted to see a lovely blush creep across her cheeks.

"I love you." Sarah returned, her smile widening.

Jareth and Sarah turned to face Theoden and the Grassland King began to speak loudly over the crowd. "Know now, King Jareth and Lady Sarah, before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony, you should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the foundation of marriage. With full awareness, know that within this circle, you are not only declaring you intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, both of our Sovereign Courts of the Seelie and Unseelie, but you also speak that intent to the very Gods and wild magics that guide our existence in this Underground. The promises made today and ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Tell me, King Jareth and Lady Sarah, do you still seek to enter this ceremony?"

Jareth and Sarah turned to face each other to cross and clasp both their hands together. The pair spoke their reply in tandem. "Yes, we seek to enter."

Theoden produce the first ribbon and began to bind their hands. "The first binding is thus made with red, symbolic of Fire, so that your love may always be bright and passionate."

Swiftly, he produced another and continued. "The second binding is thus made with yellow, symbolic of light, so that your love may be a beacon of hope to those in sorrow."

Finally, came the third. "The third binding is thus made with silver, symbolic of wisdom, so that your union may be filled with wise choices."

Theoden clasped their bound hands in his own. "The role already taken by the song that your hearts share shall now be strengthened by the vows you take. All things of the material world eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection your spirits share, which is destined to ascend to the heavens. May you be forever as one in the passion and fire of you. Speak your vows to one another and complete the binding.

Sarah began, her voice soft and sweet. "You cannot possess me, for I belong to myself, but while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give."

"You cannot command me, for I am a free person." Jareth replied, his voice firm and strong against the pounding of his heart. "But I shall serve you in those ways you require. And the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand."

"I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night and the eyes into which I smile in the morning." Sarah returned, squeezing his hands gently.

"I pledge to you the first bite from my meat, And the first drink from my cup." Jareth felt lost in her emerald eyes.

"I pledge to you my living and dying, equally in your care, and tell no strangers our grievances."

"This is my wedding vow to you…"

"This is a marriage of equals…" Sarah finished, her voice nearly breaking.

Theoden produced a delicate tiara, styled much like Jareth's royal medallion and rested it upon Sarah's bowed head gently. It had obviously been fashioned to wear with her informal crown, because both pieces went together perfectly.

"It is with great honor I present The King of the Goblins, Jareth Antares Sindhe and his Goblin Queen, Sarah Lenora Sindhe! Now go on and kiss the girl already!"

Jareth grinned and leaned in to capture Sarah's lips with his in a passionate kiss the congregation erupted with sounds of joy. From the hedges the fairies voices raised in a beautiful crescendo and bright magical fireworks exploded in the skies above them. Alyx clapped as enthusiastically as anyone there and nearly laughed aloud when she heard Jaron's shrill whistles and whoops of joy over the crowd.

The guests were then led into the ballroom of the Castle Beyond the Goblin City where a grand reception began. As she roamed the crowded room, Alyx saw her mother once, but avoided her easily in the throng of Underground denizens. The newlyweds were surrounded by well-wishers, so Alyx stood back, waiting for her chance to approach the couple. She turned her gaze towards the couples waltzing across the dance floor and felt a pang of familiar memories. It was as if it were only yesterday that she and Jaron had danced like them in the ballroom of Merial. Her eyes nearly blurred when she realized he was there.

Jaron.

She could barely see them amongst the crowd, but the Goblin Prince was dancing with a beautiful Fae girl in a flowing red sari. Jaron leaned in to whisper in the beauty's ear and she laughed, swatting at the smirking prince with one bejeweled hand. His grin widened as she pressed a kiss to his cheek, marking him the red rouge from her lips. Alyx's heart fell a little when she realized that woman must be his wife-to-be. Tearing her gaze from the pair, Alyx moved as far from the dance floor as she could, hoping that soon she could slip through Sarah and Jareth's receiving line and be gone from the place.

---

Cursing at her ill luck, Vesper limped from the reception to a curtain covered doorway. She had tripped and snapped off one of the heels of her shoes. She braced one hand against the wall and slipped out of the broken footwear. She sighed, happily, and prepared to return to the crowd. Suddenly, someone tugged Vesper into the darkness of a curtained doorway and clapped a hand over her mouth. "Shhhh… Don't scream or I'll cut you."

A blade flashed before her eyes and fear shot through her.

"The punishment for defection within the Unseelie Court is death, you know… And I am the Queen of Air and Darkness's Knight of Death." A smooth voice was hot in her ear. "Our Queen is not pleased that you left us, Vesper, and I miss stalking your lovely presence in the corridors. I should slit your throat as I hold you here, but I have come with a bargain for you this day. You shall answer my questions and I shall let you live."

Vesper felt the blade trail down her body and she shuddered.

"Now, since I can't trust you to have a civilized conversation with me in this castle, I shall make this rather simple. I am going to ask you a series of questions and you are going to shake your head, yes or no. Do you understand?"

She tentatively nodded against his hand.

"Good. I am searching for a valuable Our Queen requires. One that you may know the location of… The Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince? Where is she? Do you know?"

Vesper shook her head.

"Ah, but, Vesper, I think you might be lying." He tightened his grip against her and she felt the blade at her neck. "Little buzzing bees told me a few secrets about you, Allie Gideon."

Vesper tensed in his grip and she felt his chuckle, deep in his throat.

"Yes… I know who you are. The Girl… She is your flesh and blood, yes? Daughter dearest? Do not bother lying, I can see the striking resemblance. I shall ask again… Do you know where she is?"

Tears came to Vesper's eyes as she shook her head, violently.

"Of course not. Had a bit of a falling out, didn't you? Leaving the poor tot to suffer under the fists of her drunkard father didn't make her mommy's little girl, did it? Highly unlikely, she'll come crying home to mommy these days…" He used the tip of the blade and parted the curtain so that they looked out over the wedding reception. "But they were her friends… She'll not miss this for all the fire grass in Qadira… She will be here for the wedding, yes? Did you see her here?"

Vesper froze in his arms. There were many unfamiliar faces at the wedding, many people she did not know. It had crossed her mind that, perhaps, one of the beautiful ladies or even some of the more feminine men, were her daughter in one of her many clever disguises. She could have passed the girl a million times today and not known.

"You are unsure. Let me elaborate. Did she make herself known to you tonight by sight or actions?"

Vesper shook her head.

"I see. The Goblin Prince has returned, I see. He will seek her out if she is here." He closed the curtain again and breathed in her ear. "Thank you, Lady Moraine, for your compliance."

His hand fell from her mouth, but before she could scream, the other hand clamped a sweet smelling cloth over her nose and mouth. The world began to blur and Vesper crumpled into a heap in his arms. He rested the lady in the doorway and left a spilled chalice near her upturned hand. Once he was done posing her, it looked only as if the lady had had a bit too much to drink and passed out in the first place she sat. He smiled and moved to rejoin the crowd.

---

Alyx was beginning to think that she would never get to talk to Jareth and Sarah at this rate. It seemed like there was a never ending line of nobility that blocked her chances to approach the pair. She crossed her arms over her chest and sighed, heavily. She did not feel like staying all night at this particular party.

"Your disguises are getting better, you know." A warm voice whispered in her ear and she spun to find a smirking Jaron at her side. He did not look at her, but merely watched the crowd with feigned interest. "Though, I do believe that I would know you in any disguise that you took."

In an attempt to still her racing heart, she took a deep breath. "Hello, Jaron."

He was dashingly handsome in the dark blue and silver suit he wore. Even his leather boots were the same dramatic blue as the coat. Trimmed and stitched in silver, the coat stopped short at his waist and boasted a high collar. His hair was much longer than when she had seen him last and he wore it neatly plaited down his back. Wisps of bangs framed his face and his face hosted a beard. The beard was long and had been braided, but what she suspected were fairy fingers. Even though he now boasted facial hair, Alyx saw the scar at his lip. He was not wearing glamour over his scars anymore and he somehow seemed older than when they had shared their last night together. Perhaps older was not the term, but instead, seasoned. She had heard whispers that he had disappeared for some time in the Above and it showed.

"Hello… Thisbe was it? Of the House Heket?" He looked her up and down, taking in her simple dress. "This guise suits you. Quite beautiful, unassuming to most all, except me of course."

"Not nearly so beautiful as your lovely dance partner. Is she the lucky bride-to-be?" Alyx tossed out casually.

"Siddhi?" Jaron's eyes glanced about for the girl in the sari he had danced with earlier. His eyes narrowed as he realized that Alyx had already been watching him for some time that night. "And if she was? Do you approve?"

"I suppose." Alyx feigned indifference. "She's pretty enough."

"And entirely out of my league." Jaron grinned at Alyx's shocked look and shrugged. "Siddhi is to be the next Maharani of Qadira. A lowly Goblin Prince is hardly a suitable match for her, even if I'm a High Prince at Merial. I might have a chance for her sixth youngest sister Pavi, but she's a bit young to be thinking about marriage. I would have to spend nearly a century betrothed to her before she was of age for marriage…"

"Oh." Alyx could feel her cheeks turning red at her ignorance of nobility lineage.

"Siddhi and I are old school mates as a matter-of-fact." He gestured at the crowd. "Would you care to take another guess as to who my would-be wife is? Perhaps Oriana the Elfish Princess of Fin Bheara? Or perhaps Lady Hiolaire, the daughter of the Duke of Nevan Island?"

She shot him a foul look and hissed. "Is this a game to you?"
"No, but it has kept you talking to me, hasn't it?" Jaron eyes sparkled. "I do enjoy when you actually talk to me."

Her frown grew. "You are pestering me."

"No… I believe I am trying to do what mortals call 'creating tiny talks'."

Alyx tried to fight the grin that rose to her lips and she snickered into her hand at him. "No. You are 'making small talk', Jaron."

"That's precisely what I said. 'Tiny talks'." He gave her a small smile. "Would it kill you to speak to me, Alyx? Would a few words cut so deep?"

"Sometimes, I believe it just might." Alyx hated the words the moment they left her lips, but she hated the look on Jaron's face worse. He recovered, quickly, and gave her a bitter smile.

"Then by all means, my lady… I'll take my leave of you."

Before she could move, he disappeared into the crowd. Her unspoken apology died on her lips and her heart dropped. Fighting at the tears in her eyes, she decided that it high time that she took her leave as well. Dodging and weaving through the reveling courtiers, she approached where Sarah and Jareth. Upon her arrival, she gave a graceful curtsy to the Goblin King and Queen.

"My most sincere congratulations on such a happy day, Your Highnesses. One could not have been privy to anything as beautiful as today." Alyx recited in her best Goblinese. "I am called Thisbe of the House Heket."

"Thisbe of the House Heket?" Jareth repeated, racking his brain for any knowledge of this new noble. "I knew that the House Heket was a rather large one, but I believed that I knew all of Vizier Tehuti's children…"

"Well, there are so many of us, Sire." Alyx gave him her best smile. "My father can scarcely remember us all."

"Yes, but-" Jareth started.

Sarah cut in. "It was wonderful for you all to have traveled so far to be here today. Thank you for being part of such a wonderful day."

Surprising even herself, Alyx reached out and took Sarah's hand into hers to squeeze, gently. Sarah gave her a bit of shocked look and a confused smile.

In the lowest voice she could manage without tears, Alyx said. "You look beautiful, Sarah… I'm so happy for you two."

"Thank you. I-" Sarah paused, staring at the strange girl before her and her eyes brightened as it suddenly hit her who she really was. "Oh, my…"

Alyx realized Sarah knew and released her hand, quickly. "You must excuse me. It is quite a long trip home and I mus-"

"Nonsense." Jareth cut in, firmly. He had tutored many of Tehuti's children and knew that the strange girl was not the man's flesh and blood. It was only when she had taken Sarah's hands that he had realized it was his former ward before him. "You must stay for this, my dear Thisbe. As a favor to an old friend?"

Alyx's eyes narrowed on the Goblin King and she frowned. "Really, I couldn't-"

"You could!" Sarah cut in, beaming. "As my distinguished guest!" Sarah dropped her voice to a whisper. 'Please stay! You could stay the night here at the castle and-"

"I'll stay for the festivities, but not a moment more." Alyx replied, firmly.

"Might we have a moment, Lady? It will be worth twice the breath." Jareth pleaded with Alyx with his eyes. She nodded and he lowered his voice to a mere whisper. "There are ill plans afoot for you. You-"

"Isn't there always, Goblin King?" Alyx retorted, her voice barely above a hiss, as she looked about, warily. "I am only the most sought after woman in the entire Underground. It probably doesn't help that you're drawing attention to me right now!"

"Please…" Sarah started. "Your mother, she-"

"Came crying to you because daughter dearest wants nothing to do with her? I'll have nothing to do with Vesper Morain." Alyx said the name like it left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"She came to the Goblin Kingdom for sanctuary. She has defected from the Darkling Court and she brought with her Mab's plans for you!" Jareth replied, harshly. "That vile witch means to let the Swamp Hag sacrifice you in the Plains of Crom Cruach. The hag wants your blood to restore her youth!"

"Big whoop. Mab's wanted me wasted for years." Alyx shrugged. "I'll just hide. I've always been good at that."

"You misunderstand me. Mab has gone mad since you took Jaron from her. She will stop at nothing now to get her revenge. She plans for your death even now. They have reawakened the Plains and spoken of the old magic. It may be a very wide Underground, but she has ears far and eyes even farther. Eventually, she will find you an-"

"And I will save myself, Jareth. I have no need a prince on a white horse." Alyx replied, her voice hiding how shaken she was by the news he bore.

"And I do not intend to be one again! If you will not accept my help, please be wary, child. The Darkling Court has many nefarious ways of achieving the Queen's goals." His face fell. "I was a failure as your guardian before, but-"

"Hey." She stopped him with one gentle hand on his arm and she gave him a warm smile. "I'm a big girl, Jareth. I outwit her once and I can do it again. Hell, if I can save a Goblin Prince, I can do anything, right?" Standing on her tip-toes, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Congrats. You both look so happy."

"An' I've never seen a lass from Ha-Neul look so unhappy!" A booming Scottish voice cut in and Roland was suddenly at her side, holding her to him, tightly. "Might I steal this delicate lil' desert flower from ya for a dance, cousin?"
"Steal away." Jareth waved one hand and smirked at Alyx's glare of annoyance. "Anything to delay her departure."

"Delightful!" Roland grinned and the next thing Alyx knew, he was twirling her around the dance floor. He gave her a knowing look as they spun about. "Ya won me ten quid from Jaron today, ya know… He dinna expect ya to show up as a woman. 'Specially not a pretty one."

She scoffed. "Listen, Roland, I really can't stay-"

"'Course ya can." Roland spun her around again. "I'll even get ya an armed escort home if ya like. An' I 'appen to know a certain Goblin Prince who looks rather smashin' all dolled up in his fancy armor."

She frowned. "Roland, that's not funny."

"Who's tryin' to be funny? I'm dead serious, lass. I'll see the pair of ya married if it kills us three."

"He's marrying someone else, remember?" Alyx replied, bitterly.

It was Roland's turn to frown. "Now, Alyx, I donna know what Jaron told ya at Yule, but-"

"He told me enough, Roland."

"Lass, it's not a bit like what ya think. The boy's mad with jealously for ya!" Roland drew in close and whispered. "Canna ya feel his eyes burnin' on us right now? Any minute, he's gonna cut in an-"

"Fly off towards Goodfellow Glen?" Alyx asked and pointed along the skyline.

"What?!" Roland released her for a moment to scan the horizon but saw no signs of Jaron in the skies. When he looked back to Alyx, she was gone. He frowned. "Sly little minx, innit she?"

---

Upon making her escape from Roland, Alyx weaved her way through the crowd, pausing only once to steal a glass of wine from a passing waiter and down in quickly. Another waiter passed and she set the empty glass on his tray, gracefully, as she moved onwards. Within moments, she was at the outskirts of the crowd and she watched the party for a moment from the shadows of the pillars. Jareth was twirling Sarah around the dance floor and the Goblin Queen was laughing in delight. The sight brought a smile to Alyx's face and she sighed, happily.

"It's enough to make you almost believe in happily-ever-after." She said, quietly, and turned away to make her way towards the entrance of the castle. As soon as she reached the stables where they had taken her horse, she heard a soft noise behind her. Her hand strayed to her thigh, where she had a short curved dagger strapped. Drawing it, she spun around to face the noise and found Jaron watching her, a bemused look upon her face.

She frowned. "You nearly scared me to death! I almost gutted you!"

"Doubtful. I've very quick on my feet and even better off of them." Jaron remarked, dryly. "I thought you should know that the moment you left Roland on the dance floor, my brother took the liberty of bogging your horse."

She scowled. "I ought to poke him in the eye!"

"Use your words, darling. They cut much deeper."

Alyx winced. "Jaron, I'm sorry about earlier. I-"

"Apology accepted." Jaron cut her off with the wave of one hand. "Would it be too forward of me to offer a solution to your transportation problems?"

Alyx sheathed her dagger with a sigh and threw up her hands. "Offer away. I'm out of ideas."

"A trade perhaps? I just so happen to have, in my possession, one of the fastest steeds in all the Underground… And I would be willing to trade you a ride home on said mount for something of equal value."

"Jaron, I have nothing to trade you for a horse. All I have are the shoes on my feet and my dagger."

"A kiss then?" He asked as he moved closer to her, almost touching her. His mismatched eyes caught her and she swallowed hard at the unreadable look there. She willed her nerves against how he made her feel

"A kiss for a horse, huh?" Alyx raised one eyebrow, critically. "Show me the horse first."

"Well played, little one." Jaron chuckled and stepped back from her. "Follow me… I relieved your mount of your possessions before Jareth bogged it. It's all here."

He led her inside the nearest building, where a sleek black horse was waiting and already saddled. The prancing beast hosted a long and wild mane and bright yellow eyes. Jaron stepped up and took the reigns from the post and offered them out to her. When she attempted to take them, he snatched them back and wagged one finger at her.

"Nuh-uh… Do we have a trade?"

Giving him her sweetest smile, Alyx leaned over to kiss him on his bearded cheek, chastely. "Your kiss, Your Majesty. Now give me my horse."

"That was no real kiss, madam, but well met." Jaron slapped the reigns in to her hands. Jaron paused and gave her a very serious look. "Alyx, the fairy folk have brought me ill news from-"

"Yeah, I've heard… I'm next up on the sacrificial block." Alyx replied, bitterly. "Apparently, I'm the newest breakthrough in youth and magical restoration for the Fae."

"This is no joke, Alyx." Jaron put his hands on her shoulder and shook her slightly, trying to make his words sink in. "Mab is insane. Absolutely and utterly insane. Seven long years with that witch made it all too clear. She will do anything to see your blood spilt to the last drop. Even if it means giving one of her most dangerous courtiers the power to usurp her."

"What do you mean? What dangerous-"

"The Dowager Queen of Air and Darkness. The Swamp Hag, Zefiryn Nightshayde… Her plans are far darker than Mab's. She wants your blood and she will take it all if she can. You are in grave danger."

She frowned. "I don't know if you noticed, but I can-"

"Yes, yes, yes… I agree. You do a very good job of taking care of yourself these days, but one never knows when they might need a bit of help." Looking about, suspiciously, Jaron reached into the inner pocket of his jacket. He pressed a small object in her hand. "Take this and keep it close!"

It was a tiny skeleton key, mostly unremarkable and scuffed, but it dangled from a delicate silver chain. She gave him a quizzical look. "What is-"

"Look, I know that half the damned time all we do is scream at one another, but I'll die before I'll see you hurt. Just consider the key a kinda escape route, right? Use that key in any normal door and it will open to my tower in the Goblin City." Jaron put the necklace on her and tucked it under her dress. "Like my tower it is covered in heavy enchantments… It will only work for you alone. No other hand can open the door to the tower. Keep it safe and close… Always."

"Jaron, I-"

Without any further words, he draping a heavy cloak around her shoulders, covering her head with the hood. Then he was lifting her into the saddle and getting her ready to ride. Once he had her situated, he slapped the reigns into her hands.

His voice was raw when he finally spoke to her. "She'll not touch you. All you need to do is say your right words, Alyx, and she'll not touch you. I swear it."

"Thank you, Jaron." Alyx said, truthfully, as she reigned in the dancing horse.

He nodded as he adjusted the saddle, but didn't reply.

"Jaron… What I said, earlier. I really didn't-"

Jaron cut her off, abruptly. "This isn't any mere horse I have sat you upon. He is a pooka, but don't let that scare you. No more loyal a subject will you find in all the Underground than old Brohm here. He'll take you straight home and, depended upon where you rest that pretty head these days he shall likely have you there well before midnight."

"Jaron-"

"Hold on tight." Jaron leaned forward to whisper in the pooka's ear and with a snort the creature took off into the night.

The air was nearly sucked from Alyx's chest as they sped through the night. Closing her eyes tightly, she wrapped her fingers into Brohm's thick main and buried her face in it for good measure. All at once the howling wind around them stopped and Alyx could breathe again. Her whole body trembling, she slowly opened one eye to find that they had indeed stopped. They were just outside the Labyrinth and facing the Enchanted Wood.

"Right then! Where too, missus?" Brohm's happy-go-lucky voice startled her and he turned his sulfurous eyes on her.

"E-excuse me?"

"Which way we headed?" The pooka tossed his mane, impatiently. "We ain't got all night, you know."

"I guess… I guess that I need to go home." Alyx stumbled over her words, still a bit befuddled by the ride. "It's south."

"All righty! South then!" The pooka pranced, delighted to have a direction. "Take a deep breath before, it might help."

"Wha-"

Brohm took off into the night again, and if it had not been for Alyx's grip on his mane, she would have fallen from the saddle. Then the whirlwind of movement stopped and Alyx gasped for breath.

"How far south?" Brohm asked, surveying their new location, somewhere deep within in the Wood.

"Hold on a second!" Alyx wheezed. "I can't breathe!"

"Oh, well, I told ya to take a deep breath before I got running." Brohm sounded a little irritated. "'Any fool knows ya can't catch yer breath on the back of a pooka."

"Do we have to go so fast? I don't even know where we are!"

"Prince Jaron told me to fly fast to get you home safe and I intend of doin' just that, missus." The pooka responded, firmly. "Prince's orders, you know. Not many pookas 'ave the privilege of serving our Goblin Prince in such important matters. Can ya imagine me mum's face when I tell her that her little Brohmmie escorted The Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince home at His Highness's request! Such an honor! She'll think twice 'bout calling me a worthless bag of glue, I'll tell ya that much!"

Alyx gave the creature a wry smile. "I don't wanna burst your bubble or anything, but I'm no one special."

Brohm snorted and stamped one foot, hard. "No one special, she says! Listen to her… And they say the Fae ain't modest. I'll tell ya, missus, there ain't a fairy, imp, goblin, or sprite who will agree with ya there, this pooka included!"

"Whatever you say, Brohm." She smiled and studied their surroundings. "Now, where are we?"

"We left Wesh a mile behind us, heading south." Brohm supplied, helpfully.

"Across the Rune river and north west of Honah Lee there's an old Keep in the forest-"

"Oh, yeah I gotcha! I've ran by there a million times! Breathe deep, missus!"

This time Alyx was a little more prepared and sucked in a deep breath before he began to run. She squeezed her watering eyes shut as the wind howled around them. Suddenly, he came to a stop before her keep.

"Huh, almost missed it in the dark." Brohm whistled, happily. "Here ya are, missus. Safe and sound, you are!"

Alyx slid from the pooka's back onto shaking legs, nearly falling to the ground. Brohm turned his head to look at her, quizzically.

"All right there, missus?"

She nodded, shakily, and patted his neck. "Yes. Thank you for bringing me home, Brohm."

"A pleasure, and an honor. Old Brohmie's gonna be pretty popular back in the Labyrinth after tonight, I'll tell ya!"

"Would you like me to make you a place in the stable for the rest of the night?"

"Ah, thanks, but no need! This was just a hop and a skip for me tonight. Besides, I'm to return to the Goblin City an' let Prince Jaron know you got home safe. Them's orders." He nickered once as she unloaded her things.

"Goodbye, Brohm. Be careful." She stroked his long nose.

"Of course, missus." Like a blur, he was gone into the night.

Alyx gathered her things and headed inside of the warm keep to tell Morven about her adventure at the wedding. As she guessed, he didn't take the news of Mab and Zefiryn seeking her out very well. Almost immediately, he was packing their bags to take her back to the sea and its many hidden islands.

"Oh, quit being a worry wart." Alyx replied as she kicked off her glass slippers and her gown disappeared to reveal a simple and comfortable pair of loose pants and shirt. Pulling her long dark hair, haphazardly into a knot at the top of her head, she began to calmly unpack the bags that he was packing.

"Oy! Unloadin' ain't helpin', Alyx!" Morven replied, firmly, and threw a handful of her clothes back in her pack. "If they be out fer yer blood, then our best bet be gettin' our arses to the Merrow Wind an' headin' fer the high seas."

"Morven, we are not going to go running to the ship just because a few fairies are gossiping about-"

"A few fairies? Before ya even got here I've had three banshees, one Dullahan, six sprites, and one very lost Gancanagh come by and tell me the same bloody thing. Them witches are out to make ya dead, lass! Real dead!" Morven grabbed her by the shoulders and gave her a small shake. "Yer not safe on the mainland anymore. Listen, I know ya don't like them royals, but the Goblin King sent me a scry before ya got home an-"

"Wait…" Alyx frowned. "You've been talking to Jareth?"

"Hear me out, lass. They found yer mum, knocked out stone-cold at the party. She's alright, but they think it was one o' Mab's men … Looking fer ya."

Alyx's eyes widened a little bit. "Tonight? At the wedding?"

Morven nodded, grimly. "There be a lot of nasty critters in the employ of the Darkling Court an' not one is to be taken lightly. Now I'm all fer protectin' ya, lassie, but I'll be needin' more than one of me to take on the whole of the Darkling Court. I'll need Krollin an' Quigli an' the lads on the ship… Ya get what I'm sayin'?"

Alyx moved out of his grip. "I'll not let them die for me, Morven."

"You'd be bloody stupid to try an' stop 'em, lass!" Morven argued. "Any one o' 'em would take a cold iron blade fer ya an-"

"No! I'll not let them die for me! No one else is going to get hurt over me." Alyx stamped her tiny foot, hard. "And I'll be damned if I let that witch and her Hag send me running away with my tail tucked between my legs. I deserve a happily-ever-after, Bog dammit!"

Morven chuckled at the feisty woman before him and chucked her under the chin. "Aye, that ya do… That ya do. So, ya won't be comin' to sea with me then?"

"I'm not running away." Alyx crossed her arms over her chest.

"It's not running… It's evasive manuverin' of a quick sort." Morven argued. "'Sides, I miss 'avin ya as me First Mate. Krollin be a fine steward, but you drink more than he does an' yer a better card player."

She gave him a disapproving look. "Morven…"

"An' we ain't got a decent price fer fire grass in months without you threatening a bit 'ere and there… What ya say, me bucko? Donna you miss the Merrow Wind even a bit?"

She sighed. "Of course I do, Morven-"

"Good then. It's settled." Morven began to throw her things back into the bag. "We'll ride at dawn."

Alyx sighed. "I'm not going to let some bitch and her witch make me run forever. If anything, I'll defeat her again."

"An' I gots all the faith in the world in ya, lass… I really do." Morven gave her a sad look. "But I'll not be takin' any chances on yer life."

"Morven, whisking me away on the Merrow Wind isn't going to solve this. I can't spend eternity running away." Alyx replied. "I've already spent far too many years running."

"An' what did Prince Jaron 'ave to say 'bout this mess?"

Alyx bristled a little. "What does his opinion matter?"

"I can see that key at yer neck lass. Everyone knows of the Goblin Prince's Coat of Keys an' me bein' the bettin' man I am, I'd wager me ship that his coat is missin' that very key."

"It's only for an emergency." Alyx's hand went, unconsciously, to the key at her neck. "I probably won't even need it."

"Regardless, keep that bauble close." Morven ordered. "The Goblin Prince donna hand out them keys lightly."

---

The moment that Alyx and Brohm disappeared into the night, Jaron spun to glare at a dark shadow near the stables. His hand moved to the blade at his waist and the shadow hissed at him.

"She's long gone, demon. Best that you be as well, before I cut your bloody head off and send it to Mab myself." Jaron snarled, drawing his sword.

"Tell me where you sent the girl and I'll make sure that her death an easy one." The shadow retorted.

"Liar."

"Our Queen of Air and Darkness will have her. Make no mistake."

"Over my dead body."

The shadow chuckled, evilly. "That is her intention."

The dark shadow moved forward and slowly began to take the form of man in a swirling black cloak. He was barely a miasma held together by dark armor. Red eyes glowed under the darkness of his hood.

"Look closely, dear Prince. To see me is to know your own future. Under Queen Mab's hand you will wither until you are but a mere Shade at her side."

Jaron sneered. "My will belongs to the girl and no other."

The shadow hissed its annoyance. "Your mind will change when her blood runs red hot down my Queen's throat."

"If one hand is laid upon Alyx, I'll not be held responsible for my actions… Be damned any truces held between the Courts." Jaron warned and spat upon the ground at the shadow's feet. "Mab will do best to remember that it is most unwise to cross a Fae with nothing left to lose."

"My dark Queen fears no measly Goblin Prince. Would she give me leave, I would slit your blue-blooded throat where you stand."

Thrusting out his chin with a sneer, Jaron laughed. "Take your best shot, Knight. You'll find my blood runs more red than blue."

Though the shadow seemed tempted by the offer, it snarled in response and took a step back.

"That's what I thought. Now get the hell out of the Labyrinth." Jaron sheathed his sword and turned to rejoin the festivities.

"You will not be able to keep her hidden forever, Prince Jaron." The shadow's voice faded as did he. "We will find her and her blood will stain the Plains of Crom Cruach."

Jaron spun around to curse the creature, but it was long gone. Looking warily towards the direction that Alyx and Brohm had disappeared in, he begrudgingly made his way back to the castle. Avoiding the revelry, he headed straight for his tower, unnerved by how the shadow had spoken of Alyx.

---

In the end, nothing Morven could do or say would talk Alyx into returning with him to the sea. Before he left, he spent three days with her, reinforcing enchantments and adding new ones to the keep before he felt safe enough to leave her alone.

Hefting his pack upon one shoulder he gave her a worried look. "Now I don't want ya runnin' around these woods alone while I'm gone an-"

"So am I to starve and freeze to death? I have to leave occasionally for supplies and firewood." Alyx retorted. "I'll be fine, Morven. Now get out of here and back to the Merrow Wind. You are making me want to rip my hair out."

She began pushing his protesting form out the door and towards his waiting horse.

"Maybe it'll be best if I just stay-"

"Oh, no you don't. I won't have you staying here and being underfoot and bugging the life out of me. Get back to your boat and stop worrying about me. I've slain a dragon remember?"

"Yeah, but a dark Queen is a might more crafty than a dragon, lass."

Alyx huffed in frustration and pushed against him harder until they were both outside and in the chilly air.

"Now are ya sure the larder's got enough vittles? I can't 'ave ya starvin'-"

"I'll be fine!"

"An' what 'bout firewood? That air smells like snow again an' I'll bet me best set of tumblers that a blizzard be on its way."

"I've survived worse blizzards in the Red Snow Northlands."

"What 'bout feed fer them chickens an' that bloody cow ya insisted on? Not worth her weight in magic beans, but-"

"If you don't go, I swear I'll give you a case of the Stinging Hiccups that'll make Dragon Pox feel like a head cold." Alyx huffed, blowing strands of her dark hair out of her face.

"Fine! I'll be man enough to admit that I know when I'm not wanted." Morven chucked her chin with his knuckles, playfully. "You canna blame me fer worryin', lass."

"I'm the one who always managed to save our asses before. It'll be a lot easier without you around to keep an eye on." Alyx teased. "Now go on and get or else Quigli will sail off without you."

"He wouldn't dare."

"He would so."

"Pish-posh. Now, I'll send me horse back from Honah Lee when I gets to town. 'Sides that donna you open that door fer no one. Least not 'til I gets back, savvy?"

"I know, I know. Don't accept shiny red apples from crazy old crones and all that." Alyx remarked, dryly.

"Well, that bein' said, if a certain Goblin Prince happened to come a-knockin' an' bearin' peaches-"

"Not bloody likely. I'd rather take the poison apple."

Dropping his pack, Morven drew the girl into his arms, hugging her tightly to him. She returned his hug as enthusiastically and buried her face in his chest.

"Ya got any problems an' ya use that scrying mirror I gots ya. Hear me girl? I'll be here in two flick of a badger's tail."

"I know."

"I left a good bow by the door, though I've seen ya shoot an' yer near worthless, ya might catch a hare or two before the snow sets in."

Alyx snorted as he released her from the hug. "I'm better with a sling anyways."

"I left ya a dagger an' sword's as sharp as a Roc's razor as well."

"My axes and my sword are in oil cloth under my bed. I've got weapons hidden all over the keep, Morven."

"Course ya do, lass. Learnt ya right, didn't I?" He cleared his throat. "Ya got yer key?"

Alyx's hand unconsciously went to the tiny key on a chain around her neck and she blushed. "I won't be needing that."

"Just the same, don't ya go anywheres without it. Ya hear me?"

"Aye, Cap'n." Alyx mock saluted and gave him a smirk.

"None o' that sass there, little girl. Ya ain't never gonna be too big fer me to take ya over me knee." Morven shook one finger at her and gave her a wink before strapping his pack to the horse. "What'll ya do while I'm away?"

"I'm going to study Botany with a focus on Herbalism. There is a Leshy that lives four glens over who is of the nicer sort. He gave me a few books and scrolls and I was able to make myself a little greenhouse on the roof of the keep." Alyx replied, a matter-of-factly.

"Hrmmp… I wondered what all that bangin an' cursin' when ya disappeared up there was. You lookin' to become a witch then?"

"Well, someone needs to know how make a proper antidote the next time you get yourself poisoned." Alyx hugged her arms against the chill of the air.

Morven laughed. "Now I ain't been poisoned in at least five years."

"Six months ago, when you were in Havelock after you tried to cheat at dice." Alyx replied, dryly.

"That was an overrated attempt on me life. I barely felt a thing."

"You vomited for six days and lost feeling in the whole left side of your body for two weeks."

"An' look at me now. Healthy as a horse an' fit enough to dance a jig at Cinderella's weddin'." Morven held out his arms with a smirk.

"Because I knew to give you red seaweed and button moss." Alyx reminded him.

"Because yer a good First Mate." Morven buckled the last strap to his back and gave her a stern glare. "All jestin' aside, ya keep an eye out fer yerself, lass. The Seelie Court may 'ave rescinded their search for ya, but these ain't the best of times to be The Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince. Stay frosty an' since yer so hell bent on ignorin' that key round yer pretty neck, ya need to listen close to me now. If ya even get the little bittiest bad feelin' or see somethin' odd, then ya make haste fer Honah Lee. Puff'll not let an Unseelie touch ya in his city. Ya get yerself there an' ya send fer me. Savvy?"

"Savvy." Alyx nodded.

"I want yer word on it Alyx. Don't ya try to fight yer way out of nothin' alone. Ya run and run hard. Promise me."

"Morven, I-"

"Belay that! Promise me!" Morven ordered.

"I promise. If anything happens, I'll run for Honah Lee."

Morven gave her a relieved smile and reached out to place his hands on her of her shoulders. He leaned in and pressed a kiss on her forehead. "Now get yerself back in by that fire 'fore ya catch the liquid lung. I'll be back in few months and I'll bring ya some pretties then, eh?"

She nodded, but watched him from the doorway of the keep until he was out of sight. Only then did she return to the warmth of the keep.

---

"What in the name of the Bog do you mean that you cannot find him?" Jareth snarled at the quivering little mass of goblins before him.

"Prince Jaron not in his tower. Prince Jaron not in the castle. Prince Jaron not in Goblin City. Prince Jaron not in Labyrinth." One goblin with a slight lisp and a saucepan for a hat ticked off each place with one of his stubby fingers and shrugged. "He not here, Kingy."

"Jareth they tried their best. You know how Jaron is. He's probably run off to the Enchanted Wood." Sarah said, calmly, from her position standing next to him. "We will just have to make Jora the Regent of the Goblin Throne until we get back from our honeymoon."

"Sarah dear, I was hoping that perhaps by giving Jaron some responsibilities, it would encourage him to be a bit less flighty. After all, he was expressing interest in that Barony in the Highlands."

"Jaron has about as much interest in that Barony as he does studying quantum physics." Sarah snorted and waved the goblins away. "Thanks guys. Good try!"

"Thanks Queenie!"

Jareth gave her a disapproving look. "They once feared me, you know."

"I think that Jora and Annibal would do a great job at taking care of this place." Sarah ignored him and slipped her arm through his. "Besides, I already asked them, because I knew Jaron would make himself scarce once he found out about what you planned on asking him."

Jareth gave her a shocked look. "You went over my head with this?"

"Well, I am the Queen." Sarah teased and pressed a kiss against his lips.

"Such defiance." Jareth huskily whispered and drew her closer to him. "Such actions against the crown must be punished."

Sarah giggled as his lips fell upon her neck, but nearly screamed when someone else spoke.

"Did I miss out on having extra chores loaded upon me?" Jaron asked, cheerfully, clearly delighted to embarrass the newlyweds.

Jareth frowned at his brother. "Do you not have better things to do?"

"Nope." Jaron responded with a grin and leaned against the nearest wall. "Decide where you're spending the honeymoon yet Sarah?"

"The Genkis! I'm gonna spend all day on the beach and go swimming in the ocean!" Sarah gushed, excitedly.

"I've not seen the Genkis in many a year…" Jaron's replied. "You know, I have friends there that own a spa where they wrap you in seaweed that's been soaked in an oil made from fire grass an-"

"No, thank you. I do not wish for my bride to be so inebriated that she does not remember our honeymoon." Jareth interjected. "Surely, you have something else on your mind, rather than asking us about our vacation plans?"

Jaron tugged at his braided beard thoughtfully. "Not that I can think of…"

Jareth groaned. "Jaron."

"Well, now that you mention it, there was one tiny thing. Miniscule really and probably of no concern-"

"Jaron…"

"I'm going Above."

"When has my knowledge of your comings and goings ever stopped you from doing whatever you desired?"

"Well, I figured that since every time that I disappear you end up yelling at me for nearly giving mother a coronary, so it would be best if I told you and skip that part of my return all together. Very adult of me, isn't it?"

Jareth cocked one eyebrow at his brother. "Indeed. And what warrants this vacation to the Above?"

"There's a gal in Dublin who likes my beard."

Sarah laughed and teasingly tugged on his braided chin. "It does look rather distinguishing on you. You look like your father… If Jorall was a Viking. Have you been letting your fairies braid it?"

"Yes, until they tried to weave flowers in it." Jaron replied with a laugh.

"Enjoy your time Above with your… lady friend." Jareth interceded. "I'll let mother know where you ran away to this time."

"You're the best big brother ever." Jaron returned, cheerfully, and turned to leave the pair. He stopped short. "Oh, there was one more thing before you leave…"

"Yes?"
Jaron gave the pair a most mischievous grin. "Someone's set free King Theoden's unicorns."

With that he disappeared and Jareth watched him fade away, nearly shaking in anger. Sarah just laughed and kissed his cheek.

"Well, we all wanted him to get back to normal!"